Wire tie holding device

ABSTRACT

A wire tie holder/dispenser in the form of a belt-mounted device suitable for the containment of double loop rebar ties for user convenience. In the preferred mode, the device comprises a generally rectangular support member, which comprises a work belt foldover thereon for attachment to the belt. Left and right L-shaped aluminum or steel members are affixed to the support member via rivets, and extend outwardly therefrom. In this mode, a stiffening material be also be utilized to provide additional structural support. The left and right members are a maximum of 4⅞ inches apart from one another in the preferred mode, and are at least 8 inches in height. In an alternate mode of production, the device utilizes a steel rod assembly in lieu of the aforementioned L-shaped members. The steel rod may be ¼ inch in diameter, and also comprises left and right members extending outwardly from the support member, of a size within the range noted above. In either embodiment, the left and right members define vertical slots in which the user may easily load wire ties from the coil supplied by the manufacturer. Through one smooth motion, the user may slide up to 75 ties onto the holder, with the same motion allowing for withdrawal of guide wires from the 75 pieces. The device holds and dispenses ties from 6 to 12 inches in length, allowing the invention to be useful for a variety of tasks. In summation, the present invention functions to eliminate tangling often associated with conventional means of holding and dispensing ties, saving the user significant time during the job in question.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is a wire tie holder/dispenser.Specifically, the invention is a belt-mounted device suitable for thecontainment of double loop rebar ties for user convenience.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Numerous innovations for belt-mounted holders have been providedin the prior art that are described as follows. Even though theseinnovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes towhich they address, they differ from the present invention ashereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior artpatents most relevant to the invention at hand, as well a descriptionoutlining the differences between the features of the present inventionand those of the prior art.

[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,892, invented by Johns, entitled “BeltMounted Tool Hanger”

[0006] Johns' belt mounted tool hanger comprises a base member having aslot therein through and within which a portion of a workman's belt canbe engaged and a hook which extends from a end edge of the base member,across same, and to a level above the height to which the base memberextends.

[0007] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,620, invented by Koudakis, entitled“Belt-Mounted Tool Holder Device”

[0008] Koudakis' belt-mounted tool holder device includes a supportplate defining a pair of spaced apart slots for receiving therethrough abelt of a wearer, a holder member fixedly attached to the support plateand extending outwardly therefrom, and a cup attached to an outer end ofthe holder member for receiving a portion of a tool therein. An innerend of the holder member is fixedly attached to one of the oppositesides of the support plate below the spaced apart slots defined by thesupport plate. The holder member extends outwardly from the supportplate at an angle lying within a range of from about 15 degrees above toabout 15 degrees below a line extending perpendicular to the supportplate. The cup is attached to the outer end of the holder member and hasa bottom wall and an annular sidewall attached to a periphery of thebottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom. The annular sidewalldefines an interior cavity and a top opening for receiving the portionof the tool into the interior cavity of the cup.

[0009] 3. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 359,848 invented by Pounds, entitled“Belt-Mounted Utility Hitch”

[0010] The design patent to Pounds depicts an ornamental design for abelt mounted utility hitch, as shown and described.

[0011] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,302, invented by Smith, entitled “BeltMounted Can Holder”

[0012] The patent to Smith describes a holder for the handle of acontainer and comprises a substantially rigid, continuous wire-likemember bent to form a belt receiving portion and an integral handlereceiving portion. The belt receiving portion stabilizes the position ofthe holder and the handle receiving portion is provided with first andsecond locking portions through which the container handle must passbefore resting at the bottom of the handle receiving portion. Thecontainer is thus maintained in a stable, convenient position when thewearer is moving his body and/or walking, freeing the user's hands forother operations while at the same time permitting convenient access tothe contents of the can and further providing a sturdy and yet small andlightweight holder.

[0013] 5. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 272,201, invented by Garcia, entitled “BeltMounted Holder For Allen Wrenches”

[0014] The design patent to Garcia depicts an ornamental design for abelt mounted holder for allen wrenches.

[0015] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,578, invented by Maynard, entitled“Wearable Cord Holder”

[0016] The patent to Maynard describes a cord holder for use withhand-held equipment that requires a power cord, air hose, or the like.The cord holder has a clip that attaches over a pocket or belt orsimilar item of apparel. A loop and hook securely hold a bight of thecord. The cord in front of the cord holder goes to the equipment, andhas a desired amount of slack as selected by the user. Because of thesecure attachment of the cord within the cord holder, the cord behindthe cord holder may be pulled as the user moves about, without affectingthe slack in the cord in front of the cord holder.

[0017] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,736, invented by Musarella et al.,entitled “Tool Holder”

[0018] The Musarella et al. invention describes a tool holder formounting on a user's belt. The tool holder includes a support memberhaving two front supports and two rear supports. Each rear support has arear top portion, a rear bottom portion, and a rear transition portionpositioned therebetween. Each front support is spaced from and biasedsubstantially parallel to the rear top portion and is nonparallel to therear bottom portion. Each rear transition portion extends toward thefront support to provide a narrow gap which is smaller than the spacingbetween the front support and rear top portion, and the rear supportsare connected by a support cross member. A bracket member extendsbetween and connects the front supports, and a tool holding portion isprovided for holding a tool. When the tool holder is mounted on a user'sbelt, front supports and rear transition portions provide resistance toremoval of the support member from the belt.

[0019] 8. U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,717 invented by Rebeck, entitled “HolderFor Push Poles And Other Tubular Implements”

[0020] The patent to Rebeck describes a holder for a push pole formaintaining a push pole within reach of a user and includes a push poleholding portion and a mounting portion. The push pole holding portion isdimensioned to releasably hold the push pole. The mounting portion isconfigured to be positioned on the user's body.

[0021] 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,705, invented by Dreszer, entitled“Interchangeable Tool And Fastener Carrying And Storage System”

[0022] Dreszer's portable device is selectively operable as a tool andfastener caddie and storage device for clipping onto a trademan'swork/utility belt or for storing tools and fasteners, with the devicedetached from the belt.

[0023] 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,667, invented by Gallant, entitled “ToolHolder”

[0024] The patent to Gallant describes a device for suspending T-shapedtools from a belt, toolbox, wall, or other mount, comprises a flatattachment material and a rotating holder body which secures the toolwhile allowing the tool to be inserted and removed from differentangles. In order to ensure that the holder body stays in a usefulposition, its swing is limited by two stops which act as brakes and areaffixed so as to protrude perpendicularly from the attachment material.The invention is designed so that after the tool is inserted into theholder, the head of the tool remains secured by the cantilevering actionof a spring-loaded clip against a dead-lock arm extending downwards fromthe holder body. The opposite end of the tool rests on an L-shapedextending at right angles from the attachment material. The tool isremoved by the natural motion of grasping the handle and swingingupwards. This results in the tool being held in an immediately usablemanner as it is withdrawn from the holder.

[0025] 11. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,603, invented by Spina, entitled“Implement Holder”

[0026] The patent to Spina describes a holder for an implement such as amortar board which is to be horizontally positioned, and comprises aback plate having slots which receive a worker's belt so that the holdercan hang on the belt and an L-shaped frame which has a vertical portionselectively attachable to the back plate and a horizontal portion whichhas two elongated supporting arms which protrude outwardly away from theback plate and are disposed in spaced relationship. The handle of themortar board is inserted into the space between the arms so that theflat board rests on the two supporting arms. When the handle is engagedbetween the two supporting arms and the board rests on the supportingarms, both hands of the worker are free to conduct other operations.

[0027] 12. U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,830, invented by Hopkins et al., entitled“Implement Holder”

[0028] The patent to Hopkins et al. describes a holder for implementssuch as a mortal board, which is to be horizontally positioned, knives,such as broad, spackle, and shear knives, which are to be positioned atan angle, and a roll of drywall tape, vertically positioned. Holdercomprises a back plate to secure implements. and a second plate in whichthe implement holder is temporarily attached to the user, more,specifically, the waist area of the user. The mortar board is insertedinto the Y-shaped slots which are horizontally aligned to the back plateand are disposed in spaced relationship. The knives are inserted intothe compression loaded slots having adjacent relationship and positionedat an angle from the back plate. The tape is inserted into the J-shapedhook which is spaced away from the back plate to allow for the tapespositioning and removal to and from the implement holder. The partswhich comprise the implement holder are made from a rigid material,preferably aluminum. When the implements are engaged in theirappropriate locations within the implement holder, both hands of theworker are free to conduct other operations.

[0029] The relevant prior art described above entails items such asbelt-mounted holders for a variety of tools, including hammers and other“T-shaped implements, wrenches, knives, tape rolls, and other paintingsupplies. Also found in the prior art are belt-mounted holders formortar boards, spackle containers, and various buckets and receptacles.

[0030] In contrast, the present invention is a specifically-designedbelt-mounted device comprising a support member, and left and rightmembers extending outwardly therefrom which define a vertical slot forthe removable insertion of wire ties, such as double loop rebar ties.Alternate embodiments of construction each include the left and rightmembers at a maximum of 4⅞ inches apart from one another, with each atleast 8 inches in height, to contain ties of 6 to 12 inches in length.Importantly, in a single motion, the user can slide up to 75 ties ontothe holder. The user can then easily remove the ties without thetangling associated with existing methods, saving the user significanttime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As noted, the present invention is a wire tie holder/dispenser.Specifically, the invention is a belt-mounted device suitable for thecontainment of double loop rebar ties for user convenience.

[0032] In the preferred mode of production, the device comprises agenerally rectangular support member, which comprises a work beltfoldover thereon for attachment to the belt. Left and right L-shapedaluminum or steel members are affixed to the support member via rivets,and extend outwardly therefrom. In this mode, a stiffening material bealso be utilized to provide additional structural support. The left andright members are a maximum of 4⅞ inches apart from one another in thepreferred mode, and are at least 8 inches in height.

[0033] In an alternate mode of production, the device utilizes a steelrod assembly in lieu of the aforementioned L-shaped members. The steelrod may be ¼ inch in diameter, and also comprises left and right membersextending outwardly from the support member, of a size within the rangenoted above.

[0034] In either embodiment, the left and right members define verticalslots in which the user may easily load wire ties from the coil suppliedby the manufacturer.

[0035] In particular, through one smooth motion, the user may slide upto 75 ties onto the holder, with the same motion allowing for withdrawalof guide wires from the 75 pieces.

[0036] Regarding its versatility, the device holds and dispenses tiesfrom 6 to 12 inches in length, allowing the invention to be useful for avariety of tasks. In summation, the present invention functions toeliminate tangling often associated with conventional means of holdingand dispensing ties, saving the user significant time during the job inquestion.

[0037] In light of the foregoing, it is generally an object of thepresent invention to provide a product that may be used in a variety ofconstruction-related activities.

[0038] It is another object of the present invention to provide aconvenient product that assists the user and significantly adds to theuser's productivity.

[0039] It is an additional object of the invention to provide alightweight product that accomplishes the aforementioned purposeswithout hindering the user's ability to perform the activity in which itis used.

[0040] It is a further object of the invention to provide an item thatmay be constructed of a variety of previously-existing materials thatare cost-effective and convenient for the purposes of manufacture.

[0041] It is an additional object of the invention to provide an itemthat may be produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate all users inall activities Finally, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an item that is durable and that maintains its effectiveness forextended periods of time.

[0042] The novel features which are considered characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the claims. The invention itself, both as toits construction and its method of operation, together with additionalobjects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from thefollowing description of the embodiments when read and understood inconnection with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective view of one mode of thepresent invention, illustrating support member (12), belt loop foldover(14), belt (16), left vertical support member (18L), right verticalsupport member (18R), and slot (20), which is able to removably receivewire ties (22) therein, all components shown for the purposes of exampleonly.

[0044]FIG. 2 is a three-quarter perspective view of another mode of thepresent invention, illustrating support member (12), belt loop foldover(14), belt (16), left portion of single steel rod (24L), right portionof single steel rod (24R), and slot (20), which is able to removablyreceive wire ties (22) therein, all components shown for the purposes ofexample only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0045] Referring to: FIG. 1, which is a three-quarter perspective viewof one mode of the present invention, illustrating support member (12),belt loop foldover (14), belt (16), left vertical support member (18L),right vertical support member (18R), and slot (20), which is able toremovably receive wire ties (22) therein, all components shown for thepurposes of example only:

[0046] More particularly, the belt-mounted wire tie holding devicecomprises a main support member which comprises a belt loop foldover atan upper portion thereof. The belt loop foldover allows the main supportmember to removably affix to a belt, such as a traditional work belt.The main support member may be manufactured of a durable material, suchas Cordura®. Moreover, the main support member may further comprise astiffening material therein, to provide additional structural supporttherefor.

[0047] The main support member further comprises a left vertical supportmember extending a predetermined space outwardly from the supportmember, and a right vertical support member extending a predeterminedspace outwardly from the support member.

[0048] In the preferred mode of manufacture, the left support member andright support member are affixed to the main support member via rivetsfor the utmost in durability. However, other means of affixing the twoprincipal components to one another may be utilized, provided that suchalternate means provides strength and durability.

[0049] Importantly, the predetermined spaces define a slot in which aplurality of wire ties may be removably inserted. In the preferred modeof production, the device is configured to removably hold rebar ties.Specifically, the device is configured to removably hold double looprebar ties.

[0050] In the preferred mode of manufacture, the left support member andright support member are approximately 4⅞ inches apart. In addition, theleft support member and right support member are each approximately 8inches in height. Although other proportions may be used, suchproportions allow the device too removably hold and dispenseapproximately 75 typical wire ties, such as those that are 6 to 12inches in length. Though other sizes may be used, in the preferred modethe slots are approximately ⅛ inches in width to accomplish suchpurposes.

[0051] In one mode of production, the left support member and rightsupport member are “L” shaped, and are embodied in separate piecesaffixed to the main support member. In this versions, the left supportmember and right support member may be constructed of aluminum.

[0052] Regarding another embodiment, FIG. 2 is a three-quarterperspective view of another mode of the present invention, illustratingsupport member (12), belt loop foldover (14), belt (16), left portion ofsingle steel rod (24L), right portion of single steel rod (24R), andslot (20), which is able to removably receive wire ties (22) therein,all components shown for the purposes of example only.

[0053] In this of production, the left support member and right supportmember are affixed to one another in the form of a single rod assembly.In this version, the single rod is approximately ¼ inches in diameter,and the device may utilize the other sizes and proportions referred toabove. Furthermore, in this version, the left support member and rightsupport member may be constructed of steel.

[0054] In either version, it is important to note that the device maybear previously determined text, graphics, designs, colors, andcorporate logos or advertising thereon. In addition, the device may beof a size selected from the group consisting of small, medium, and largedepending on the activity in which the device is to be used.

[0055] With regards to all descriptions and graphics, while theinvention has been illustrated and described as embodied, it is notintended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understoodthat various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in theforms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can bemade by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from thespirit of the invention.

[0056] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it forvarious applications without omitting features that, from the standpointof prior art, constitute essential characteristics of the generic orspecific aspects of this invention. What is claimed as new and desiredto be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A belt-mounted wire tie holding devicecomprising: a main support member which comprises a belt loop foldoverat an upper portion thereof, the belt loop foldover allowing the mainsupport member to removably affix to a belt, the main support memberfurther comprising a left vertical support member extending apredetermined space outwardly from the support member, and a rightvertical support member extending a predetermined space outwardly fromthe support member, the predetermined spaces defining a slot in which aplurality of wire ties is removably inserted.
 2. The belt-mounted wiretie holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the device isconfigured to removably hold rebar ties.
 3. The belt-mounted wire tieholding device as described in claim 1, wherein the device is configuredto removably hold double loop rebar ties.
 4. The belt-mounted wire tieholding device as described in claim 1, wherein the device bearspreviously determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and corporatelogos thereon.
 5. The belt-mounted wire tie holding device as describedin claim 1, wherein the main support member is manufactured of Cordura®.6. The belt-mounted wire tie holding device as described in claim 1,wherein the device is of a size selected from the group consisting ofsmall, medium, and large.
 7. The belt-mounted wire tie holding device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the left support member and right supportmember are approximately 4⅞ inches apart.
 8. The belt-mounted wire tieholding device as described in claim 1, wherein the left support memberand right support member are affixed to the main support member viarivets.
 9. The belt-mounted wire tie holding device as described inclaim 1, wherein the left support member and right support member areeach approximately 8 inches in height.
 10. The belt-mounted wire tieholding device as described in claim 1, wherein the device removablyholds approximately 75 wire ties.
 11. The belt-mounted wire tie holdingdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the device holds and dispenseswire ties of 6 to 12 inches in length.
 12. The belt-mounted wire tieholding device as described in claim 1, wherein the left support memberand right support member are constructed of steel.
 13. The belt-mountedwire tie holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the leftsupport member and right support member are constructed of aluminum. 14.The belt-mounted wire tie holding device as described in claim 1,wherein the main support member further comprises a stiffening materialtherein to provide additional structural support therefor.
 15. Thebelt-mounted wire tie holding device as described in claim 1, whereinthe slots are approximately ⅛ inches in width.
 16. The belt-mounted wiretie holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the left supportmember and right support member are “L” shaped.
 17. The belt-mountedwire tie holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the leftsupport member and right support member are affixed to one another inthe form of a single rod assembly.
 18. The belt-mounted wire tie holdingdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the single rod is approximately¼ inches in diameter.
 19. A method of holding and dispensing wire tiesutilizing a belt-mounted wire tie holding device comprising: a mainsupport member which comprises a belt loop foldover at an upper portionthereof, the belt loop foldover allowing the main support member toremovably affix to a belt, the main support member further comprising aleft vertical support member extending a predetermined space outwardlyfrom the support member, and a right vertical support member extending apredetermined space outwardly from the support member, the predeterminedspaces defining a slot in which a plurality of wire ties are inserted bya user by sliding same into the slot, with wire ties subsequentlyremoved by the user by sliding same outwardly.